The Iranian Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry voiced opposition to the presence and performance of the Berlin orchestra in Iran as long as it is conducted by Israeli-Argentinian Daniel Barenboim.
“The conductor of Germany’s symphonic orchestra is affiliated to Israel in terms of nationality and identity,” Spokesman of the Culture Ministry Hossein Noushabadi told reporters in Tehran on Sunday.
“Germany’s symphonic orchestra can change its conductor and then apply for performance in Tehran. Only then will its application be studied,” he added.
Barenboim, 72, who is the general music director of the German capital’s flagship opera house, the State Opera, “is in talks with Iran about a possible concert in Tehran by the Staatskapelle Berlin,” the house said in an emailed statement earlier this month.
But his Israeli nationality prompted Tehran to voice opposition to his trip while the Iranian officials have underlined that there is no obstacle to German orchestra’s visit.
